Bible Verses About Arts, Talent and Creativity

If you’ve ever wondered what God thinks about arts, talents, and creativity, know that you’re not alone. People have long explored ways to use their talents and creative expressions for the benefit of themselves as well as other people.

God – who gave us the talents – is also very much interested in having us use those talents for him. 

When it comes to tracking down ways people have used their arts, talents and creativity, there’s no better source to consult than the timeless authority of the Word of God. In the next paragraphs, you’ll gain scriptural insights into God’s views regarding arts and creativity. 

Here are five Bible verses that talk about the talents, creativity and artistic expression:

Exodus 31:3-5 (ESV)

“See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze.”

Context: This verse from the Book of Exodus is part of a conversation God had with Moses.

It highlights how God chose and equipped Bezalel with divine wisdom and creativity to construct the Tabernacle, showcasing the importance of divine inspiration in artistic endeavors. 

Exodus 35:35 (NIV)

2. Exodus 35:35 (NIV)

“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.”

Context: This verse is connected to the previous one, where God spoke to Moses.

Here, Moses relays God’s message to the Israelites, informing them of how Bezalel, son of Uri, and Oholiab, son of Ahisamak, had been empowered with essential creative skills.

More than anything else, this verse emphasizes the value that was placed on various art forms in Biblical times.

1 Chronicles 15:22 (NKJV) 

“Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful;”

“Chenaniah, leader of the Levites in music, should direct the music, for he understood it.” (ESV)

Context: This verse mentions the skill and expertise required for directing music, demonstrating the importance of artistry and understanding in any musical undertaking.

1 Chronicles 28:12

“He gave him the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind for the courts of the temple of the Lord and all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the temple of God and for the treasuries for the dedicated things.”

Context: This verse mentions how King David shared the divine plans for building the temple with his son Solomon. It highlights how even architectural designs were inspired by God.

2 Chronicles 12-14 (MSG)

“He wrote on, “Blessed be the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, and who gave King David a son so wise, so knowledgeable and shrewd, to build a temple for God and a palace for himself. I’ve sent you Huram-Abi—he’s already on his way—he knows the construction business inside and out.

His mother is from Dan and his father from Tyre. He knows how to work in gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood, in purple, violet, linen, and crimson textiles; he is also an expert engraver and competent to work out designs with your artists and architects, and those of my master David, your father.”

A common theme in all these verses is that they recognize the innate connection between spirituality, creativity, and the arts.

More importantly, they underscore how God’s inspiration and wisdom have been integral to the expression of human creativity throughout history. 

I hope they encourage you to embrace your creative talents and simultaneously appreciate God’s influence in your artistic pursuits.

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Written by Victor Anih,

Victor volunteers with the Content Team at Sycamore Church. 

(Blogposts are creative expressions generously provided for Sycamore Church. The ideas and thoughts do not necessarily represent the position of Sycamore Church)